NCIS: Origins Episode 11 Recap – Top 9 Key Moments and Major Reveals

Spoiler Alert: NCIS: Origins Episode 11, “Flight of Icarus”

Please note: This article contains discussion of suicide.

In the emotionally charged episode 11 of NCIS: Origins, titled “Flight of Icarus, ”the narrative delves deep into the personal journey of Mike Franks and his NIS team as they tackle a case with significant emotional weight. While the pacing may differ from its acclaimed predecessor, this prequel series effectively captures the essence of its characters, establishing a compelling storyline. Following the resolution of Gibbs and Lala’s earlier conflict regarding the death of Pedro Hernandez, the show finds its rhythm once again.

The initial episodes of Season 1 focused on Gibbs’ transition from a U. S.Marine Corps member to an NIS agent. In episode 10, “Blue Bayou, ”viewers learned about the profound impact Gibbs’ neighbor, Ruth, had on his life. With the return from winter hiatus, the spotlight shifts to another crucial figure in Gibbs’ early career, as Franks reflects on his past through significant flashbacks.

9 A Tear in Franks’ Boots Triggers a Flashback to Mike’s Adolescence

Mike Doesn’t Want to Replace His Boots

The episode opens with Franks carefully preparing for his day; however, it takes an emotional turn when his beloved cowboy boots fall apart. The tale of these boots, gifted to him on his birthday by his brother and mother, serves as a poignant reminder of his past. Even though Tish suggests he simply wear his black boots, Franks hesitates, wanting to keep his signature pair intact.

The narrative further explores the emotional connections tied to Franks’ footwear, leading him to wear worn-out tennis shoes instead. This exploration underscores Franks’ reluctance to let go of a cherished piece of his history.

8 Mike Franks’ Team Investigates the Death of Captain Cameron Reid, Suspected Suicide

Franks’ Team Conducts a Thorough Death Investigation

As Franks arrives at the crime scene in his tennis shoes, his team immediately takes notice. Together, they seek to piece together the circumstances surrounding Captain Cameron Reid’s unsettling death. Initially perceived as a suicide, the investigation quickly grows complex, especially when Franks learns of Gibbs’ past suicide attempt. This bond of shared struggle becomes a defining moment for them both.

The medical examiner confirms the indicators of suicide, but Franks is concerned about how the investigation might affect Gibbs, who insists he is ready to proceed without emotional turmoil getting in the way.

7 Cameron Reid’s Military Father Rejects the Conclusion of Suicide

Cameron Reid’s Father Is a Three-Star War General

Upon gathering in the NIS bullpen, Franks and the team are excited to learn about Cameron Reid’s family background. Agent Lala triumphantly reveals that Reid’s father is none other than three-star General Alexander Reid, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Khafji.

While Gibbs initially believes the evidence points to a suicide, the team opts to continue their investigation, clarifying that they are performing a comprehensive death inquiry. The arrival of General Reid adds gravity to the scenario as he looks to Franks for answers about his son.

In a respectful conversation, Franks delivers the reality of the situation while also mantaining sensitivity towards the general, demonstrating professionalism in an emotionally charged circumstance.

6 Randy Wants to Set Gibbs Up on a Date with His Wife’s Friend

Randy’s Wife Has a Friend Named Amanda

Meanwhile, amidst the investigative duties, Agent Randy proposes a potential romantic interest for Gibbs. Igniting a mixture of surprise and curiosity, he shares that his wife has a friend named Amanda, who might be a perfect match for the seasoned agent. Despite Randy’s enthusiasm, Gibbs is momentarily taken aback, leading to comedic relief in an otherwise serious episode.

5 Flashbacks Reveal Mike Franks Was Drafted for the Vietnam War

Mike’s Brother Didn’t Want Him to Go

An unexpected find at the crime scene—a pamphlet for a Veterans support group—triggers a series of flashbacks for Franks. These reflections transport the audience back to a defining moment in Mike’s youth, revealing his brother’s desperate attempts to protect him during the Vietnam draft fiasco. The weight of this experience adds further depth to Franks’ character, showing the struggles he faced long before his NIS days.

4 Nick Barnes Confesses He Gave Cameron Reid a Firearm

He Didn’t Know Why He Wanted the Gun

General Reid returns later to receive updates on the case. Although the team has little new information, he provides a crucial collection of intel consisting of his son’s known connections. As they sift through this data, they conduct interviews that steer them toward a promising lead—Nick Barnes. With hesitance, Barnes comes forth with the shocking admission that he sold Reid a gun on the night of his death, linking him to the tragedy.

3 Franks’ Team Discovers Cameron Reid Would Rather End His Life Than Be Deployed to Somalia

Cameron Reid Didn’t Want to Repeat Kuwait

After extensive interviews with Reid’s contacts, Franks compiles a comprehensive report to present to General Reid. Focusing on mental health and service-related trauma, the detectives carefully outline how Reid grappled with intense pressure stemming from his past deployment in Kuwait. Their findings suggest a pathos-infused reality: a brilliant officer struggling with undiagnosed psychological trials and the resulting dramatic decision to take his own life.

2 Lala Makes a Weird Comment That Hints at a Romance With Her and Gibbs

Lala Is Protective of Leroy Jethro Gibbs

In a lighter moment, Gibbs shares Randy’s matchmaking endeavor with Lala, hinting at romance possibilities. However, Lala’s reaction suggests deeper feelings, revealing her protectiveness towards Gibbs and adding an intriguing layer to the team’s dynamic. Despite the serious backdrop of their investigations, these character interactions balance the narrative.

1 Mark Harmon’s Narrative as Older Gibbs Centers on Mike Franks

Older Gibbs Is Pondering His Former Mentor

As the episode concludes, Mark Harmon’s voiceover resonates, providing insights into Gibbs’ reflections on his old mentor, Mike Franks. This introspection highlights Franks’ significant influence on Gibbs and sets the stage for further narrative development surrounding Franks’ complex past. These moments of contemplation provide a deeper understanding of the emotional undercurrents at play in NCIS: Origins.

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